40m
    Aruba Leeward Coast, Aruba
    Oostpunt

    MAFALCA V

    Best months: Mar–Jul

    Protected Area

    Oostpunt

    Why dive here

    With 82+ marine species recorded in the area - including orcas, sea turtles, whale sharks, frogfish and lionfish - MAFALCA V offers some of Aruba Leeward Coast's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest September, October, November.

    Best timeMar–Jul
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeOrcas, Sea Turtles, Whale Sharks, Frogfish and Lionfish · 82+ species recorded
    Water27-30°C · warmest September, October, November
    CharacterWreck dive · max 40m
    StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

    The Mafalca V, a barge scuttled back in '68, sits upright at 40 metres. This isn’t a gentle drift dive; you’ll need to be comfortable with depth and confident in your buoyancy. We love it because it's genuinely atmospheric down there. The light filters down, diffuse and blue, illuminating the skeletal structure of the wreck. What we really appreciate about the Mafalca is how the ocean has completely taken over. It's not just a steel hulk; it's a living reef. Schools of bigeye jacks swirl around the mast, and we’ve often seen green morays peeking from crevices. Exploring the open hold is a highlight, though penetration isn't really the point here. We’d suggest focusing on the exterior and the surrounding sandy bottom where we’ve spotted garden eels swaying in the mild current. Our pick for timing is morning, before the thermocline settles too low and visibility starts to get a bit hazy. It's a proper deep dive, so plan your gas carefully and enjoy the tranquility.

    Typical MAFALCA V Dive Profile

    15m30m45mSafety Stop0m40m max~20 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today05:3017:2511h 55m daylightGolden hour 16:57

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MAFALCA V

    MAFALCA V Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MAFALCA V, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (12.42, -70.08) (19km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    30°C

    86°F · Range: 28.3–31.4°C

    Air Temperature

    29°C

    84°F

    Wind Speed

    7.31 m/s

    14.2 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1010.2 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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